Hey, a little Update for you and Discord Server

So. It's been a while since I've posted an update on this game.

Don't worry, I am not burnt out or the equivalent of that. I am still working on the game when I can seize the opportunity.

I've received some pretty good feedback from the NGA event. Most of which, I was already aware of. But also some interesting ones.

Such as not knowing where the player's hitbox is... To me and many people in the bullet hell communities, it is almost a given that the hitbox is smaller than the actual texture of the character. However, since the hitboxes in my game will change, depending on which character you chose and whether you focus or not; I thought it would be a good idea to implement a better visual clue. By constantly showing the player's hitbox and accurately (pixel by pixel) portraying the player's hitbox, even when focusing. This inherently doesn't completely solve the problem. You might say.

"Well, why don't you just tell the player explicitly?"

Well, I want to convey most information through visuals. I have a philosophy, to never really explicitly tell the player with words what is what, and how it works. I don't believe that's very good game design. You don't want your players to read a manual each time they play a new game...

Except for strategy games.... then you might need both a manual and lexicon...

I've also been working on seamlessly loading between stages. Meaning there is no lag in-between stages. Currently there is, and I've fixed most of it, but there is still some small lag spikes due to the 3d backgrounds. I could go into more detail but I don't expect anyone to know my technical jargon. (But if you want to know, here is a keyword: threads)

Some other small things such as a death animation. Implementing the grounds for stage 3 and so on.

There are still some kinks to work out, but generally progress is happening, although it might seem a little slow. (Mostly because I'm not posting updates everyday, comment if you would like that)

Lastly, a place to hang out. Where you can get updates from me and perhaps interact with a tiny community.

Where would such a place exist?

Remember the Discord server I mentioned? Yeah. Still not opening it. But! I might give you a clue as to when I intend to open it for everyone. The plan forward is to continue work on Stage 1 and 2 (possibly 3). Stage 1 is mostly finished but needs some small reworks when it comes to visuals and how I convey information. Stage 2 isn't even finished. I've barely started on the boss, I still have to make the full stage and layout. The stage music isn't actually finished, and I need to make the dialogue... more organic. I do want to tell a good story after all.

Basically what I'm saying is I will open it once stage 1 and 2 is close to what I would call finished. Then, my current wave of testers will test it and hopefully by then after smashing some bugs, I am more comfortable to open the Discord server to the public.

TLDR:

I've acted upon the feedback from NGA.

Done some other stuff.

Won't open the Discord server until after the testing session for stage 1 and 2 (and maybe 3)

Until then, keep yourself updated by following me. Pretty sure you will be notified when I post devlogs. 

Also, have this gif of Malin dying. (Totally original death, not stolen from Maiden & Spell)